What Can Dental Plaque Buildup Lead To?

Having good dental health begins by making good choices

. The foods and drinks that you choose will affect both your physical and dental health. A balanced diet helps in these efforts. Including vitamins and calcium will help teeth to develop. Calcium is the mineral most likely to be deficient in the average diet. A study, that appeared in the Journal of Periodontology found that men and women who have calcium intakes of fewer than 500 milligrams, or about half the recommended dietary allowance, were almost twice as likely to have periodontal diseases as measured by the loss of attachment of the gums from the teeth. This association was particularly evident for young adults in their 20s and 30s.

Tooth decay is caused by two kinds of bacteria-"mutans streptococci and lactobacilli"-that become a part of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food debris that forms on the teeth. Plaque bacteria feeds on sugar and converts it into harmful acids that begin decay. Certain types of sugar are more easily turned into acids or are more likely to adhere to the teeth, giving the plaque more time to begin tooth decay. Plaque that is not removed can harden into calculus, or tartar, around the gum line.

Controlling the plaque and especially the mutans streptococci bacteria is essential for preventing the spread of tooth decay. So if you want to preserve your smile, daily oral hygiene is a must. The Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery states: "Combined with flossing, [brushing the teeth] is the single most important thing that you can do to maintain the health and vitality of your teeth and their supporting tissues." Effective methods of brushing and flossing are illustrated on this and the following page. Your dentist may recommend other tools and techniques that will help you to clean your teeth effectively and thus protect your smile.

If you do not brush your teeth properly, bacteria and other particles will build up to cause plaque, which is a leading cause of tooth decay and gingivitis. Plaque also causes halitosis or extreme bad breath. If this doesn't sound appealing to you, you're in good company. Plaque is a sticky film of living and dead bacteria that grows on your teeth. When plaque isn't removed, it can harden-50 percent within 48 hours, becoming rock hard after 12 days. That rock, called calculus, is more commonly known as tartar.

Professional cleaning once or twice a year from a dental professional will help to keep your teeth free of plaque. Dental Hygienist have special tools which will remove plaque buildup and remove bacteria. This assists in keeping your mouth healthy. To minimize tooth plaque, taking time everyday to maintain your oral hygiene is important. Brush and floss every day and remember to schedule visits with your dentist for your cleanings.

by: John Tibbitts

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